Type-specific antigen of Streptococcus rattus strains (KAY1, FA1 and BHT). II. Ultrastructural localization

Streptococcus rattus strains (KAY1, FA1 and BHT) were examined by electron microscopy in whole cell-mounted samples and ultrathin sections for the localization of the type-specific antigen, using specific antiserum and ferritin-labelled anti-rabbit IgG as secondary antibody. In thin sections as well as whole cell-mounted samples the antigen was observed as irregular masses over the entire surface of the cells, in particular in the septal region between cells. The localization of the antigen was also examined in thin sections of a cell wall fraction prepared by treating the whole cells with glass beads in a disintegrator. Ferritin particles were observed around the outer surface, but not as many in number as those in whole cell-mounted or sectioned samples and rarely on the inner surface of the cell wall.